Trying to upgrade macOS Mojave to Sonoma produces 'Checking "(null)"'

Trying to upgrade a (15-inc, 2019; 2.6 GHz Intel Core i7) laptop from Mojave to Sonoma.

The system gets two installation apps: `Install macOS Ventura` and `Install macOS Sonoma`. When I try running either package, the installation hangs at 'Checking "(null)"'. I've tried deleting one or the other and running the package--all result with the same message. I have to force quit the app each time.

I've also tried Recovery mode (How to reinstall macOS - Apple Support), using the Option-Command-R mode. After about 10 minutes, the recovery fails with an error.

I also noticed that the unit has a `Update` volume (24.18 GB available of 250.69 GB) and a `Macintosh HD - Data` volume (24.18 GB available of 250.69 GB). Not sure if this is affecting the situation.

Any suggestions to get this to work?

Posted on Mar 25, 2024 1:55 PM

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3 replies

BDAqua

Level 10

251,399 points

Mar 25, 2024 8:48 PM in response to craibuc2

I don't think It shouldn't be installing to `Macintosh HD - Data`, that is for

user Data, maybe moving stuff around‽

Anyway, Are you running any VPN, Anti-Virus, or Cleaning apps?

How much free space is on the whole drive... 24 GB would be half of what's needed.

In Disk Utility>View, select Show all Devices, highlight the top left entry.

Run Disk First Aid on every listing on the left.

craibuc2 Author

Level 1

11 points

Mar 26, 2024 10:40 AM in response to BDAqua

I solved the problem, by booting into Recovery mode, then formatting the SDD. Once that was doing, Recovery mode reinstalled Mojave on the "new" partition.

BDAqua

Level 10

251,399 points

Mar 26, 2024 12:27 PM in response to craibuc2

Great work my friend! :)

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Trying to upgrade macOS Mojave to Sonoma produces 'Checking "(null)"'